Lisburn News

Search begins for Lisburn's most deserving volunteers

The Mayor, Councillor Brian Heading launches the 2012 Mayor's Awards for Volunteering at Lagan Valley Island. Also pictured are members of the Mayor's Awards Volunteering Judging Panel (br) Alison, McCarroll, Clinical Co-ordinator, South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust; Louise Prime, Mayor's Secretary, Lisburn City Council; Rhonda Frew, Community Development Officer, Lisburn City Council; Dermot Glackin, Re-ablement Project Manager; Deirdre Russell, Community Services Manager, Lisburn City Council Monica Meehan, Youth Officer, South Eastern Education and Library Board and Lindsay Armstrong, Regional Manager, Volunteer Now.

WHETHER you are looking just to fill a few hours at the weekend or you make a major contribution to your community group, your name could be included in this years Mayor's Awards for Volunteering Scheme which was launched at Lagan Valley Island.

This year two new categories have been added — Newcomer Award (Large or Small Group) and Age Sector Award.

The scheme was developed to recognise volunteers in the Lisburn area for the outstanding work which they carry out in their communities.

This year there will be six categories:

Young Volunteer of the Year — Recognising volunteering among young people under the age of 25;
Adult Volunteer of the Year — Recognising volunteering among adults over the age of 25;
Small and Large Group Volunteers of the Year — Recognising small and large groups or organisations that currently provide a range of volunteering opportunities;
support volunteer training or who are engaged in the active recruitment of volunteers within the Lisburn City Council area;
Newcomer Award (Large or Small Group) — Recognising groups that have been volunteering for less than three years;
Age Sector — Recognising groups that provide support to people in later years.

The Mayor, Councillor Brian Heading, said: "Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities and I am amazed by the number of volunteers there are in the Lisburn area.

"Volunteering makes a difference to the lives of others, but collectively, by bringing the values of volunteering with us wherever we go in life, we can make the difference in creating a new, better society for the future. I would like to commend all the Lisburn volunteers and thank you for giving up your time to assist others.

"Everyone who volunteers is eligible for a nomination in the awards. These awards deliver a strong message about the value of volunteering and how it helps to strengthen Lisburn as a city — to connect residents and communities, reinforce community spirit and create a more cohesive and inclusive society,"

Lisburn City Council and its partner organisations: South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, Volunteer Now, Bryson Care and the South Eastern Education and Library Board, say nominations will be accepted from individuals, community/voluntary and statutory representatives, who know individuals or groups worthy of recognition.

"The support provided by the Council's Community Services Unit is vital in ensuring that the needs of volunteers and community organisations within Lisburn are met as much as possible in terms of service delivery advice, funding and development," continued Mr Heading.

I hope that the dedication shown by volunteers in the Lisburn area will be a shining example of how and why volunteering is a powerful vehicle, for both the individual offering their time and commitment and the recipient benefiting from this.

"Events such as these Awards continually renew my faith in society."

Volunteering spans many arenas including community projects, local fundraising, church/religious
organisations and involvement with many events and activities. There are many ways that volunteers play an invaluable role within the Lisburn community whether it be volunteering with a helpline, sitting on a Committee or working within a Community Association.

If you are aware of any group or individual who you think deserves recognition contact Rhonda Frew, Community Development Officer, Bridge Community Centre on 028 9266 2496 or email: rhonda.frew@lisburn.gov.uk for a nomination pack. Nomination packs can also be downloaded from www.lisburncity.gov.uk

The closing date for completed nomination forms is Friday March. 16, 2012 at 4pm.

mary.magee@ulsterstar.co.uk

Ulster Star
03/02/2012